How Does Solar Panel Installation Work

You may be ready to take that giant leap into helping to save the environment by using what is known as renewable technologies. Renewable technologies are systems that generate electricity and heating to your home by using inexhaustible sources of energy, generally wind, water, heat from the ground and air and solar rays. Solar panels are the most popular form of renewable technology, not in the least because they require the least amount of structural work to your home. So, if you are ready to reduce your carbon emissions and have a greener carbon footprint, here are some tips on how solar panel installations work.

How Does Solar Panel Installation Work – Heating or Electricity

First, you will need to determine whether you want solar panels that provide you with heating, known as solar thermal, or those that provide you with electricity, known as solar photovoltaic. They are two very different types of panels. Of course, if you are hoping to be really green, you could opt to have both, although you will be required to have a large south facing roof that has little to no shading, which is essential for any kind of solar panels.

How Does Solar Panel Installation Work – Choosing your Installer

The first thing you will need to do is choose an installer to discuss your solar power needs. There are generally two types of companies: those who will charge you for your solar panels and those who will install them for free.

Of course, free installation sounds like the best option, but this is where an important government scheme comes in called the Feed in Tariff. The Feed in Tariff means that you can use the electricity that you produce and that you will be paid for every kilowatt you generate and feed back into the electricity grid. This is at present around 43.3pence per kilowatt produced, and can account for around £900 per year. Companies that offer free solar panel installation will in essence rent your roof space, meaning that you will be able to have the free electricity, but the Feed in Tariff will go to the company and not to you. You will usually have to sign an agreement allowing this to be in place for around 25 years, which can have consequences if you are ever thinking of selling your house.

Installing solar panels yourself can be costly however, thanks to the Feed in Tariff, the payback time of having solar photovoltaic panels is around 12 years.

How Does Solar Panel Installation Work – Planning Permission

Planning permissions is generally not required for the installation of renewable technologies, particularly since the government is driving green energy. However, there are two main exceptions to this, being:

Homes that are classed as listed buildings
Homes in nature conservation areas

Hence, it may be best to contact your local authority before deciding to install solar panels, just to be on the safe side.

So, now you know how does solar panel installation work and you are ready to take the next step in saving the environment.